Offset reamer driver

ABSTRACT

A system, method and/or reamer driver device provides a fully closed tube which prevents the invasion of debris and minimizes abrasion of soft tissue during use. The reamer device includes a minimum number of component assemblies, so as to permit easy replacement and minimize wear.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the National Stage of International Application No.PCT/IB2016/001143, filed Aug. 18, 2016, which claims benefit under 35USC § 119(a), to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.62/206,351, filed Aug. 18, 2015 and to U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 62/256,749, filed Nov. 18, 2015.

COPYRIGHT & LEGAL NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The Applicant has no objectionto the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or thepatent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Officepatent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rightswhatsoever. Further, no references to third party patents or articlesmade herein is to be construed as an admission that the presentinvention is not entitled to antedate such material by virtue of priorinvention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a reamer driver suitable constructed to beused to reshape acetabular.

There exists a need for a reamer driver in order to avoid penetration ofdebris and abrasion of soft tissues into the mechanism of the saidreamer driver.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An improved surgical reamer driver has four basic components and adistal and proximal end. The four components include a housing assembly,a transmission drive train, a motor shaft coupling, and a handleassembly. The transmission drive train is enclosed in the housingassembly, and has a surgical tool connector at the distal end thereof.The motor shaft coupling is disposed at the proximal end thereof. Ahandle assembly is disposed at the proximal end thereof.

An object of the invention is to provide a driver which, in a fullyassembled state, effectively prevents debris from access in the innerworkings of the device. This encapsulation of the inner workings alsoprevents abrasion of soft tissues during use.

Another object of the invention is to provide a driver which allows aneasy replacement of components e.g. when components are worn out.

Another object of the invention is to provide a driver wherein thetransmission of the load applied on the motor shaft coupling isessentially transmitted to the body of the reamer handle. The loadapplied on the handle is also essentially transmitted to the body of thereamer handle. There is no contact between the motor shaft coupling andthe handle assembly. These two cumulated loads are directly transmittedto the reamer head without compressing the universal transmission drivechain, which transmit the torque applied essentially on the motor shaftcoupling.

Another object of the invention is to provide a reamer driver having asimple reamer driver connection that allows quick connect of differenttype of acetabular reamers from the center of the driver with amechanism with no nukes or crannies that might trap or attract bonechips or debris. In comparison to the existing reamer driver connectionsdescribed in the prior art, the locking mechanism located in the centerof the driver consists of a plate whose length in the axial directionallows for axial translation without revealing spaces in which debris orchips might enter, thereby preventing such debris and bone chips fromjamming the mechanism. Chips and debris is highly undesirable as suchmay potentially disconnect the reamer from the reamer driver. It alsoreduces soft tissue irritation while rotating by limiting the sharpedges of components located around the head of the reamer driver.

Another object of the invention is to provide a locking mechanism in thehead of a driver which, unlike the standard lock/release function, canbe locked in its open position. This allows the surgeon to insert thecutting tool through a minimal invasive opening first. Then, oncelocked, the reamer handle can be inserted through the same minimalinvasive opening and connected to the cutting tool without activatingthe locking of the mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The attached drawings represent, by way of example, differentembodiments of the subject of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the fully assembled reamer driver.

FIG. 2 is an exploding view of main components of the reamer driver.

FIG. 3A is a top view of the housing assembly of the reamer driver,showing the transmission drive chain assembled.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the housing assembly of the reamerdriver, showing the transmission drive chain assembled.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the housing assembly of the reamerdriver, showing a part of the transmission drive chain, and showing themotor shaft coupling uncoupled from the transmission drive chain.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the housing assembly of the reamerdriver, showing a part of the transmission drive chain, and showing themotor shaft coupling coupled to the transmission drive chain.

FIG. 5B is a detail of FIG. 5A showing the motor shaft coupling in theposition coupled to the transmission drive chain.

FIG. 5C is a detail showing a snap feature of the invention forretaining the handle against free fall when disassembling the reamerhandle.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the housing assembly of the reamerdriver, showing a part of the transmission drive chain, the motor shaftcoupling coupled to the transmission drive chain, and the handleassembly uncoupled to the motor shaft coupling and uncoupled to thehousing assembly of the reamer driver.

FIG. 7A is a front view of the assembled reamer driver with the handleindexed in the vertical position.

FIG. 7B is a front view of the assembled reamer driver with the handleindexed in an angled position.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section of the fully assembled reamer driver.

FIG. 9 is a detail of FIG. 8 showing interconnection between the handleassembly, the housing assembly, the motor shaft coupling and thetransmission drive chain.

FIG. 10 is a detail of FIG. 8 showing the reamer head portion.

FIG. 11 is a detail of FIG. 8 showing the transmission drive chainpositioned in the body of the reamer driver.

FIG. 12 is a detailed exploding view of individual components used in avariant of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a detailed exploding view of typical components used on auniversal joint as used as functional element(s) of the transmissiondrive chain.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a universal joint as used as functionalelement(s) of the transmission drive chain.

FIG. 15 is a detailed exploding view of the reamer head portion.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the reamer head portion.

FIG. 17 is a partially exploding view of the reamer head portion.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the reamer head connection in the lockopen position.

FIG. 19 is a multiple reamer coupling of the invention is shown.

FIG. 20 is a multiple reamer coupling of the invention is shown.

FIG. 21—is a multiple reamer coupling of the invention is shown.

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of thereamer driver with two acetabular reamers with different type ofcouplings.

FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of thereamer driver head having an acetabular reamer connected to it.

FIG. 24 shows a different view of the reamer driver head.

FIG. 25 shows a cross-section view of the reamer driver head having anacetabular reamer connected to it.

FIG. 26A shows a detailed cross-section view of the reamer driver headin its closed position.

FIG. 26B shows a detailed cross-section view of the reamer driver headin its opened position.

FIG. 27A shows a cross-section view of the reamer driver head partiallydisassembled.

FIG. 27B shows a different cross-section view of the reamer driver headpartially disassembled.

FIG. 28A shows a perspective view of the reamer driver head fullydisassembled.

FIG. 28B shows a different perspective view of the reamer driver headfully disassembled.

FIG. 28C shows an exploded view of the release sleeve and the lockingmechanism.

FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the reamerdriver head.

FIG. 30A shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the reamerdriver head fully disassembled.

FIG. 30B shows a different perspective view of a second embodiment ofthe reamer driver head fully disassembled.

FIG. 31—is a kit of the invention.

FIG. 32 is a flow chart of the method of the invention.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the Figuresare illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, dimensions may be exaggerated relative toother elements to help improve understanding of the invention and itsembodiments. Furthermore, when the terms ‘first’, ‘second’, and the likeare used herein, their use is intended for distinguishing betweensimilar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential orchronological order. Moreover, relative terms like ‘front’, ‘back’,‘top’ and ‘bottom’, and the like in the Description and/or in the claimsare not necessarily used for describing exclusive relative position.Those skilled in the art will therefore understand that such terms maybe interchangeable with other terms, and that the embodiments describedherein are capable of operating in other orientations than thoseexplicitly illustrated or otherwise described.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following description is not intended to limit the scope of theinvention in any way as they are exemplary in nature, serving todescribe the best mode of the invention known the inventors as of thefiling date hereof. Consequently, changes may be made in the arrangementand/or function of any of the elements described in the exemplaryembodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 showing the assembled reamer driver 1. Such a reamerdriver 1 is a surgical instrument used to drive bone cutting toolsduring minimal invasive surgeries. A distal tube 2 of the handleassembly 9 fully closing the top opening 30 of the body 10. This tube 2is part of the handle assembly 9. Housing assembly or handle assembly 10preferably has a Z shape at position 3, where the central axis of theproximal transmission shaft 25 (power input) and the central axis of thedistal transmission shaft 24 (power output) are not coincident. A quicktool connector 4, is affixed to the distal transmission shaft 24. Bonecutting tools (not shown) are connected to the said reamer head 4.Handle 5 is part of handle assembly 9. The handle 5 may be for exampleout of metal, plastic or silicone, and possess an anti-slippery coating,and may be shaped ergonomically, with or without anti-slippery profile.A motor shaft quick connection 6 allows the application of torque. Thering 7 allows the release of a bone cutting tool (not shown). The sleeve8 allows the release of the handle assembly 9. One of the differences tothe known prior art is that the device is the fully encapsulated,avoiding penetration of debris and abrasion of soft tissues during use.The variant shown in the figures is made out of four main components,the transmission drive chain 21, the body 10, the motor shaft coupling11 and the handle assembly 9.

Now referring to FIG. 2 showing the main components, the transmissiondrive chain 21, the body 10, the motor shaft coupling 11 and the handleassembly 9, separated from each other. Mechanical load applied on thehandle 5 is transmitted through to the head bearing 23 and finally tothe driver head 4. There is no transmission of load into the motor shaftcoupling 11. The head bearing 23 may be made for example out of PEEK,carbon fiber PEEK, Teflon, PPSU, metal. The transmission drive chaintypically includes universal joints 22, a distal transmission shaft 24,a proximal transmission shaft 25, a stop ring 26 allowing the axiallypositioning of the transmission drive chain when inserted into thebearing(s) 32, 35, a rotational transmission feature 27 (Hex, square,triangle, . . . ) allowing transmission of the rotational torque fromthe motor shaft coupling 11 to the transmission drive chain 21. Thisfeature transmits only rotational torque but not the eventual axialforce applied on the motor shaft coupling 11. A front opening 28 of thehousing assembly 10 where the transmission drive chain 21 can beinserted. A rotational transmission feature 29 (Hexagon, square,triangular, or any polygonal shape) to be connected with rotationaltransmission feature 27. A top opening 30 of the housing assembly 10where the transmission drive chain 21 exits during while inserting intothe housing assembly 10 and before it reaches its assembled position.Motor shaft bearing 31 may be made for example out of PEEK, carbon fiberPEEK, Teflon, PPSU or metal. One or more distal transmission drive chainbearing(s) 32, 35, may be made for example out of PEEK, carbon fiberPEEK, Teflon, PPSU or metal, having a snapping feature to capture theproximal transmission shaft 25 and maintain it in place. This distaltransmission drive chain bearing(s) 32, 35 are also insuring the axialpositioning of the transmission drive chain with the stop ring 26.

Now referring to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, whereof FIG. 3A is showing a topview of the housing assembly 10 of the reamer driver 1, showing thetransmission drive chain 21 assembled and FIG. 3B is showing aperspective view of the housing assembly 10 of the reamer driver 1,showing the transmission drive chain assembled. A point of contact 33between the stop ring 26 and the distal transmission drive chainbearing(s) 32, 35 is avoiding axial frontward movement of the shaft 25.A point of contact 34 between the proximal transmission shaft 25 and thedistal transmission drive chain bearing(s) 32, 35 insures theconcentricity of the proximal transmission shaft 25 within the housing(e.g. tubes) of the housing assembly 10 and allows its rotation. Grooves36 allowing the angular indexing of the handle in several positions, asshown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B.

Now referring to FIG. 4 showing a perspective view of the housingassembly 10 of the reamer driver 1, showing a part of the transmissiondrive chain 21, and showing the motor shaft coupling 11 uncoupled fromthe transmission drive chain 21. Insertion of the motor shaft coupling11 in direction 40 into the housing assembly 10. A retaining ring 41allowing transmission of the axial load on the motor shaft quickconnection 6 onto the motor shaft bearing 31. A back opening 42 of thehousing assembly 10 where the motor shaft coupling 11 is being inserted.

Now referring FIG. 5A showing a perspective view of the housing assembly10 of the reamer driver 1, showing a part of the transmission drivechain 21, and showing the motor shaft coupling 11 coupled to thetransmission drive chain 21.

Now referring FIG. 5B showing a detail of FIG. 5A showing the motorshaft coupling 11 in the position coupled to the transmission drivechain. Whereas the transmission of the load 96 applied on the motorshaft coupling 11 is made through the retaining ring 41 to the motorshaft bearing 31 and finally to the housing assembly 10. No load istransmitted into the handle assembly 9. There is no contact between themotor shaft coupling 11 and the handle assembly 9.

Referring now to FIG. 5C, a snap feature of the invention for retainingthe handle 5 against free fall or inadvertent release when disassemblingthe reamer handle. The snap feature is enabled by creating a flexiblefinger retention via, for example, an adjacent relief slot 50 to pinrecesses 36′, which enables a raised boss 52 on a finger 51 created bythis adjacent slot, to move out of the way of a pin 63, and snap backthereby retaining the handle.

Now referring to FIG. 6 showing a perspective view of the housingassembly 10 of the reamer driver 1, showing a part of the transmissiondrive chain 21, the motor shaft coupling 11 coupled to the transmissiondrive chain 21, and the handle assembly 9 uncoupled to the motor shaftcoupling 11 and uncoupled to the housing assembly 10 of the reamerdriver 1. Insertion of the handle assembly 9 in direction 60 onto theassembled body 10, transmission drive chain 21 and motor shaft coupling11. A trigger feature 61 of the sleeve 8 allowing release of the handleassembly 9. This trigger feature 61 can be made longer in order to beactivated by e.g. a finger without moving the hand away from the handle5 (similar a trigger of a pistol). One or more openings 62 into thesleeve 8 allowing circulation of water/steam during cleaning andsterilization.

Now referring to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, whereof FIG. 7A showing a frontview of the assembled reamer driver 1 with the handle 5 indexed in thevertical position and whereof FIG. 7B showing a front view of theassembled reamer driver 1 with the handle 5 indexed in an angledposition, the indexing angle 70. At least a pin 63 (shown in FIG. 6)located in the handle assembly 9 form-locks with at least one of thegrooves 36 and allows the angular indexing of the handle 5 in multiplepositions.

Now referring to FIG. 8 showing a cross-section of the fully assembledreamer driver 1.

Now referring to FIG. 9 showing a detail of FIG. 8 showinginterconnection between the handle assembly 9, the housing assembly 10,the motor shaft coupling 11 and the transmission drive chain 21. A ball90 allowing connection of the handle assembly 9 with the housingassembly 10. The at least one ball 90, pushed down by profiled groove 92of the release sleeve 8, falls into the groove 95.

A spring 91 maintaining the release sleeve 8 in its frontward position.The profiled groove 92 allowing the ball 90 to move away from the groove95 when the release sleeve 8 is in its backward position and allowingthe ball 90 to be pushed into the groove 95 when the release sleeve 8 isin its frontward position in order to lock the handle assembly 9 intothe housing assembly 10. A groove 93 on the motor shaft coupling 11where the lip of the motor shaft bearing 31, slightly smaller indiameter, falls into in order to secure the assembly of the motor shaftbearing 31 onto the motor shaft coupling 11. The groove 95 is formedinto the proximal portion 94 of the housing assembly 10. One or morehole(s) 97 are formed through the distal tube 2 where they receive thelocking ball(s) 90. The inside edge of the hole(s) 97 (towards theinside of the distal tube 2) has a lip slightly smaller diameter thanthe hole(s) 97 in order to retain the ball(s) 90 of going out.

Now referring to FIG. 10 showing a detail of FIG. 8, showing a point ofcontact 100 between the distal end of the body 3 and the head bearing23. An axial load applied on the housing assembly 10 (through the handleassembly 9 and through the motor connection shaft 11) is transmitted tothe reamer driver head 4 through the head bearing 23. Further FIG. 8shows a point of contact 101 between the head bearing 23 and the reamerdriver head 4.

Now referring to FIG. 11 showing another detail of FIG. 8, showing anenlarged diameter portion 110 of the proximal transmission shaft 25,increasing the surface of contact when pushing the proximal transmissionshaft 25 up for disassembling. A distal opening 111 in the housingassembly 3 allowing access with a finger to push the enlarged diameterportion 110 of the proximal transmission shaft 25 up. A point of contact112 of the rotational transmission feature 27 allowing transmission ofthe rotational torque from the motor shaft coupling 11 to thetransmission drive chain 21. This feature transmits only rotationaltorque but not the eventual axial force applied on the motor shaftcoupling 11. An access 113 with a finger or other mean to push theproximal transmission shaft 25 up.

Now referring to FIG. 12 showing a detailed exploding view of individualcomponents used in a variant of the invention. A central cutting toolconnection 120, a spring 121, a front face 122 of the housing assembly10, transmitting the axial load applied on the housing assembly 10(through the handle assembly 9 and through the motor connection shaft11) to the reamer driver head 4 through the head bearing 23.

Now referring to FIG. 13 showing a detailed exploding view of typicalcomponents used on a universal joint 22 as used as functional element(s)of the transmission drive chain 21. A first half 130 and a second half139 of the first fork of the universal joint 22. The first fork is splitin half 130, 139 to allow assembling of the central block 138. A secondfork 131 of the universal joint 22. A bearing surface 132 of the firsthalf of the first fork 130. A bearing surface 133 of the second fork131. Bearing sleeves 134, the bearing sleeve 134 might be made forexample out of PEEK, carbon fiber PEEK, Teflon, PPSU or metal.Cylindrical extensions 135 of the central block 138 allowing itsrotation with the two halves 130, 139 of the first fork. A cylindricalpin 136 allowing rotation of central block 138 with the second fork 131.The cylindrical pin 136 is press fit into the central hole 137 of thecentral block 138. A central hole 137 of the central block 138. Bearingsurface 140 of the second half 139 of the first fork. A positioning pin141, press fit into the two halves 130, 139 of the first fork, tomaintain the two halves 130, 139 together. Inner bearing surfaces 142 ofthe bearing sleeves 134 insuring positioning and low friction with theinner surfaces 145 of the fork. Outer bearing surfaces 143 of thebearing sleeves 134 insuring positioning and low friction with the sidesurfaces 144 of the central block 138. Side surfaces 144 of the centralblock 138, adjacent to the cylindrical extension 135. Part of theinvention is the use of universal joints 22 having four bearing sleeves134 for this kind of devices. It is expected to highly increase the lifeof the universal joint 22 by reducing the friction and therefore thewear. More traditional universal joints have metal on metal friction.

Now referring to FIG. 14 showing a perspective view of a universal joint22 as used as functional element(s) of the transmission drive chain 21.A contact surface 146 between the two halves 130, 139 of the first fork.In addition to the pin 141, the two halves can be secured together bywelding, gluing.

Now referring to FIG. 15 showing a detailed exploding view of the reamerhead portion. A retaining rib 150 allowing the retention of the headbearing 23 once assembled onto the reamer head 4. This retaining rib 150is positioned in such way to allow slight translation movement of thehead bearing 23 for easier cleaning but to retain the head bearing 23 offalling off. A pin 151 connecting the ring 7 with the central cuttingtool connection 120 together, as also visible in FIG. 10.

Now referring to FIG. 16 showing a perspective view of the reamer headportion. An elongated groove 160 allowing the cutting tool lockingmechanism (ring 7, pin 151 and central cutting tool connection 120) toslide backward/frontward in direction 181 in order to release/lock thecutting tool. The cutting tool locking mechanism is spring loaded withspring 121 in its locked position. The elongated groove 161 allowing thecutting tool locking mechanism (ring 7, pin 151 and central cutting toolconnection 120) to be locked in the release (open) position. A channel162 allowing the cutting tool locking mechanism (ring 7, pin 151 andcentral cutting tool connection 120) to be switched between therelease/lock movement and the locked open position by rotation 180.

Now referring to FIG. 17 showing a partially exploding view of thereamer head portion. A central cutting tool connection 120, a spring121, a reamer head 4.

Now referring to FIG. 18 showing a perspective view of the reamer headconnection in the lock open position, indicating the direction 180 ofthe rotation of the ring 7 (and therefore the tool locking mechanism) toswitch between the release/lock movement and the locked open position.Indicating the direction 181 of a pull movement of the ring 7 (andtherefore the tool locking mechanism) to release the cutting tool.

Referring now to FIGS. 19 and 20, an alternate multiple reamer couplingof the invention, used to connect with the reamer bar 211 shown in FIG.30, has a locking head 190 with at least one pin 196 located in such away as to close the L-shaped openings 195 and therefore capture theconnecting bars of the acetabular reamer once engaged into it in orderto maintaining the reamer firmly connected to the driver. DifferentL-shaped openings 194 may be used to connect non-cylindrical connectingbars of different types of acetabular reamers. As shown is thesefigures, both rectangular L-shaped openings 194 and cylindrical L-shapedopenings 195 are used in the same reamer head in order to connectdifferent acetabular reamers having either rectangular or cylindricalconnecting bars.

A further alternate embodiment of the multiple reamer coupling of theinvention has strategically located pins 196 lock the cutting tool inplace.

Referring now to FIG. 21, the embodiment of FIG. 20 may be configured,based on the location of the locking pins, to lock three different typesof tools 210, having three different types of interfaces 211, 212, and213, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 22, an acetabular reamer driver 501 is provided toassist the surgeon in reaming the acetabular socket for the implantationof a cup prosthesis. The reamer driver 501 comprises a driver head 506that can be connected to different types of acetabular reamers. Arelease sleeve 509 can be pulled backward to open the connection andconnect or release the acetabular reamer from the driver. The driverhead 506 has an elongated shaft 541 ending by a quick connector 508 thatcan be coupled to a source of energy (powered drill as example). Ahandle sleeve 507 is assembled around the elongated shaft 541 and allowsthe surgeon to hold the reamer driver while rotating. A washer 544insures bearing contact between the handle sleeve 507 and the distalportion of the reamer driver.

By way of example only, two acetabular reamers with different type ofcouplings are shown. The acetabular reamer 502 has four connecting bars503 converging at the center of the reamer to form a cross. Theacetabular reamer 504 has two connecting bars 505 spaced apart andperpendicular from each other. It will be noted that the acetabularreamer connections may have only 2 or 3 connecting bars not necessaryoriented perpendicular to each other. The acetabular reamer may be ofdifferent shapes, like cylindrical, conical, flat or any other profile.Different instruments than acetabular reamers may be connected to thereamer drive. The shape of the bars 503 and 505 has a circularcross-section but can be of any other shape or cross-section.

FIG. 23 shows the acetabular reamer 504 connected to the reamer driver501. At least one connecting bar 505 is engaged into one L-shapedopening 531 of the driver head 506. When the acetabular reamer hasspaced apart connecting bars, the more distal connecting bar is incontact with the front surface 532 of the driver head 506 (shown in FIG.24). Centering features 520 may be used to keep the acetabular reamer504 centered with the cylindrical portion 521 of the reamer head 506.

Now referring to FIG. 25, a cross-section of the reamer driver 501 isshown. A locking member 540 is sliding in the center of the driver head6 and shown in its locked position. The locking member 540 and itslocking head 530 is capturing the connecting bar 505 of the acetabularreamer 504 once engaged into the L-shaped openings 531 and thereforemaintaining the reamer firmly connected to the driver. FIG. 26A shows adifferent cross-section, perpendicular to the cross-section of FIG. 25.The locking member 540 is still in its locked position. At least onegroove 571, located in the locking head 530, closes the L-shape opening531 and maintains the connecting bar of the acetabular reamer in theconnected position. A compression spring 550 maintains the lockingmember 540 in its locked position. A cross-pin 551, rigidly assembledinto the locking member 540, can be inserted and connected into therelease sleeve 509 and maintained in position by a spring washer 542. Bypulling the release sleeve 509 backward, the locking member 540 and itslocking head 530 move backward and clear the L-shaped opening 531,allowing the connecting bar of the acetabular reamer to come out, asshown in the cross-section view of FIG. 26B. In this opened position,the spring 550′ is compressed. The acetabular reamer may also beconnected to the reamer driver without having to manually pull on therelease sleeve 509. While engaging the connecting bar into the L-shapedopenings 531, the connecting bar contacts the front face of the lockinghead 530 and therefore pushes it backward until it reaches its openedposition. This clears the L-shaped opening 531 and allows the connectingbar to be fully engaged into the L-shaped opening. Once the connectingbar is fully engaged into the L-shaped openings, the locking head 530 ispushed back by the compression spring 550 in its initial position. Thegrooves 571, located in the locking head 530, close the L-shape openings531 and block the connecting bar of the acetabular reamer in theconnected position. Pulling on the release sleeve 509 to release theconnecting bar is mandatory.

One advantage of the present invention is the ability of disassemblingthe reamer driver for cleaning and sterilization. FIGS. 27A and 27B showcross-section views of the reamer driver where the release sleeve 509has been disconnected from the cross-pin 551. By rotating the releasesleeve 509, the spring washer 542 allows disengagement of the cross-pin551 and therefore disconnection of the two components. The handle sleeve507 may also be pulled out of the elongated shaft 541 for bettercleaning. The inside diameter of the washer 544 is adjusted in order tostay free on the shaft portion of the driver head 6 but not fall out ofthe assembly.

Referring to FIGS. 28A and 28B, the fully disassembled reamer driver isshown. The release sleeve 509 has been disconnected from the cross-pin551 allowing the locking member 540 and its locking head 530 to freelymoves frontward and outside the driver head 506. A retaining pin 543 isconnected to the proximal end of the locking member 540. This pin iscaptured into and slides in the groove 570 of the shaft portion of thedriver head 506 and stops the locking member 540 to completely fall outof the reamer driver. This prevents the medical staff to lose anycomponents during disassembling, cleaning and sterilization.

The groove 572 guides and limits the range of motion of the cross-pin551, and therefore the movements of the release sleeve 509 whenconnected to it. By pulling the release sleeve 509 backward, thecross-pin 551 slide in the groove 572 until reaching its proximal end574. The locking head 530 is then in its fully opened position and anacetabular reamer can be inserted into or pulled out of the driver head.If the release sleeve 509 is released from this position, thecompression spring 550 will push the locking member 540 and its lockinghead 530 back in its initial closed position. When the locking member540 and its locking head 530 are in the fully opened position, acounterclockwise rotation of the release sleeve 509 moves the cross-pin551 towards the L-shaped end 573 of the groove 572. This positionprevents the compression spring 550 to push the locking member 540 andits locking head 530 back in the closed position and therefore maintainsthe locking mechanism open. This option gives the surgeon the ability touse the reamer driver in the opened position without locking theacetabular reamer to the driver.

FIG. 28C shows an exploded view of the release sleeve 509. It's worthnoting that some of the components are not shown in this figure forclarity and simplification of the drawing. The opening 575 of therelease sleeve 509 allows the cross-pin 551 to be inserted into it. Thespring washer 542 has a groove 577 forming an elastic blade 578 actingas a spring. After insertion of the cross-pin 551 through the opening575, a rotation of the release sleeve 509 clockwise locks the cross-pin551 into the channel 576. The elastic blade 578 maintains pressure onthe cross-pin 551 and avoids free motion of it. The release sleeve 509is then connected to the cross-pin 551. For disassembling, acounterclockwise rotation of the release sleeve 509 disengages thecross-pin 551 from the channel 576. Disconnection force may be adjustedby modifying the dimensions of the groove 577 forming the elastic blade578. Different geometries of the release sleeve and the spring washerallowing connection and disconnection of the cross-pin may be consideredwithout changing the scope of the present invention. In a differentembodiment, a spring loaded ball may be used in place of the springwasher. In a still different embodiment, release sleeve having forcepsfeature may be used to connect and disconnect the cross-pin.

Now referring to FIG. 29, a second embodiment of the reamer driver isshown. The locking head 582 has at least one pin 581 located in such away to close the L-shaped openings 531 and therefore capture theconnecting bars of the acetabular reamer once engaged into it in orderto maintaining the reamer firmly connected to the driver. DifferentL-shaped openings 580 may be used to connect non-cylindrical connectingbars of different types of acetabular reamers. As shown is this figure,both rectangular L-shaped openings 580 and cylindrical L-shaped openings531 are used in the same reamer driver in order to connect differentacetabular reamers having either rectangular or cylindrical connectingbars.

Referring to FIGS. 30A and 30B, the fully disassembled second embodimentof the reamer driver is shown. The release sleeve 509 has beendisconnected from the cross-pin allowing the locking member 540 and itslocking head 530 to freely moves frontward and outside the driver head506. A retaining pin 543 is connected to the proximal end of the lockingmember 540. This pin is captured into and slides in the groove 570 ofthe shaft portion of the driver head 506 and stops the locking member540 to completely fall out of the reamer driver.

Referring now to FIG. 31, a kit 220 includes the surgical reamer driverand its components (including some alternate components for alternateconfigurations), and in addition, a case 221 for organizing and storingthe components of the kit. The surgical kit 220 further includessurgical tools 227 (one shown here by duplicates and others havingdiffering outside diameters may be provided) of various sizes andstyles, adapted to interface with the surgical tool connector 4.Optionally, an alternative motor coupling 11, 11′ are provided, havingan alternative connection configuration. Optionally, alternatetransmission drive trains 21 and 21′ are provided as well, each havingan alternate surgical tool connector 4, 4′.

Referring now to FIG. 32, the method 600 of the invention includesseveral steps. In a first step 602, the sliding release sleeve 8 isactuated to unlock a handle assembly 9 from a housing 10, therebypermitting the de-encapsulation of a drive train 21 within the housingassembly. In a second step 604, the handle assembly is slid off of thehousing thereby effectively de-encapsulating the drive train. In a thirdstep 606, the motor shaft coupling 11 is pulled out of the housingthereby freeing the drive train from axial constraint on one end. In afourth step 610, the drive train is unsnapped on the one end from arestraint 32 and lifted out of the housing thereby permitting removal ofthe drive train. In a fifth step 612, the drive train is pulled out ofthe housing, thus removing the drive train from the housing. Oncedisassembled, the components may be replaced with alternate componentsmeeting another need or simply cleaned and/or sterilized in preparationfor the next use.

An advantage of the present invention is to provide a reamer driverhaving fully closed tube in order to avoid penetration of debris andabrasion of soft tissues during use. The reamer driver shown in thisapplication has only 4 components that can be easily replaced when wornout.

Another advantage is that the transmission of the load applied on themotor shaft coupling is transmitted to the body of the reamer handleonly. The load applied on the handle is also transmitted to the body ofthe reamer handle only. There is no contact between the motor shaftcoupling and the handle assembly. These two cumulated loads are directlytransmitted to the reamer head without compressing the universaltransmission drive chain, which only transmit the torque applied on themotor shaft coupling.

An advantage of the present invention is to provide a simple reamerdriver connection that allows for the quick connect of different type ofacetabular reamers from the center of the driver. In comparison to theexisting reamer driver connections described in the prior art, thelocking mechanism located in the center of the driver prevent debris andbone chips to enter into the mechanism and potentially disconnect thereamer from the reamer driver. It also reduces soft tissue irritationwhile rotating by limiting the sharp edges of components located aroundthe head of the reamer driver.

In another advantage, the invention provides a locking mechanism in thehead of a driver which, unlike the standard lock/release function, canbe locked in its open position. This allows the surgeon to insert thecutting tool through a minimal invasive opening first. Then, oncelocked, the reamer handle can be inserted through the same minimalinvasive opening and connected to the cutting tool without activatingthe locking of the mechanism.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide an easy to assemble anddisassemble reamer driver connection for better cleaning andsterilization. The number of components and the risk that parts could belost have been minimized.

It will be understood that the particular method and devices embodyingthe invention are shown by way of illustration and not as a limitationof the invention. Although certain illustrative embodiments of theinvention have been shown and described here, a wide range ofmodification, changes and substitutions is contemplated in the foregoingdisclosure.

Further, the invention should be considered as comprising all possiblecombinations of every feature described in the instant specification,appended claims, and/or drawing figures which may be considered new,inventive and industrially applicable.

It should be appreciated that the particular implementations shown andherein described are representative of the invention and its best modeand are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in anyway.

As will be appreciated by skilled artisans, the present invention may beembodied as a system, a device, or a method.

The present invention is described herein with reference to blockdiagrams, devices, components, and modules, according to various aspectsof the invention. It will be understood that each functional block ofthe blocks diagrams, and combinations of functional blocks in the blockdiagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions which maybe loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions which execute on the computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus create enable the functionalityspecified in the block diagrams.

Moreover, the system contemplates the use, sale and/or distribution ofany goods, services or information having similar functionalitydescribed herein.

The specification and figures should be considered in an illustrativemanner, rather than a restrictive one and all modifications describedherein are intended to be included within the scope of the inventionclaimed. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined bythe appended claims (as they currently exist or as later amended oradded, and their legal equivalents) rather than by merely the examplesdescribed above. Steps recited in any method or process claims, unlessotherwise expressly stated, may be executed in any order and are notlimited to the specific order presented in any claim. Further, theelements and/or components recited in apparatus claims may be assembledor otherwise functionally configured in a variety of permutations toproduce substantially the same result as the present invention.Consequently, the invention should not be interpreted as being limitedto the specific configuration recited in the claims.

Benefits, other advantages and solutions mentioned herein are not to beconstrued as critical, required or essential features or components ofany or all the claims.

As used herein, the terms “includes”, “comprising”, or variationsthereof, are intended to refer to a non-exclusive listing of elements,such that any apparatus, process, method, article, or composition of theinvention that includes a list of elements, that does not include onlythose elements recited, but may also include other elements described inthe instant specification. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the useof the term “consisting” or “consisting of” or “consisting essentiallyof” is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to theenumerated elements named thereafter, unless otherwise indicated. Othercombinations and/or modifications of the above-described elements,materials or structures used in the practice of the present inventionmay be varied or adapted by the skilled artisan to other designs withoutdeparting from the general principles of the invention.

The patents and articles mentioned above are hereby incorporated byreference herein, unless otherwise noted, to the extent that the sameare not inconsistent with this disclosure.

Other characteristics and modes of execution of the invention aredescribed in the appended claims.

Further, the invention should be considered as comprising all possiblecombinations of every feature described in the instant specification,appended claims, and/or drawing figures which may be considered new,inventive and industrially applicable.

Copyright may be owned by the Applicant(s) or their assignee and, withrespect to express Licensees to third parties of the rights defined inone or more claims herein, no implied license is granted herein to usethe invention as defined in the remaining claims. Further, vis-à-vis thepublic or third parties, no express or implied license is granted toprepare derivative works based on this patent specification, inclusiveof the appendix hereto and any computer program comprised therein.

Additional features and functionality of the invention are described inthe claims appended hereto. Such claims are hereby incorporated in theirentirety by reference thereto in this specification and should beconsidered as part of the application as filed.

Multiple variations and modifications are possible in the embodiments ofthe invention described here. Although certain illustrative embodimentsof the invention have been shown and described here, a wide range ofchanges, modifications, and substitutions is contemplated in theforegoing disclosure. While the above description contains many specificdetails, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope ofthe invention, but rather exemplify one or another preferred embodimentthereof. In some instances, some features of the present invention maybe employed without a corresponding use of the other features.Accordingly, it is appropriate that the foregoing description beconstrued broadly and understood as being illustrative only, the spiritand scope of the invention being limited only by the claims whichultimately issue in this application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical reamer driver having at least fourbasic components and a distal and proximal end, the four componentsbeing: a housing assembly having at least a proximal opening and adistal opening, a handle assembly disposed over the housing assembly anddisengageable from the housing assembly, a transmission drive chainenclosed in the housing assembly, passing through the distal opening,and having a surgical tool connector at the distal end thereof, and amotor shaft coupling passing through the proximal opening thereof,wherein the transmission drive chain and the motor shaft coupling makeup a drive chain assembly and are slideably and removably engagedtogether via an interfacing connection permitting disengagement of thedrive chain assembly into two independent subcomponents whendisassembled, the interfacing connection being disposed between themotor shaft coupling and the surgical tool connector and encapsulatedwithin the housing assembly, these basic disengageable componentsforming a driver which in a fully assembled state effectively preventsdebris from access in the inner workings of the drive while permittingfull disassembly for cleaning.
 2. The driver of claim 1, wherein themotor shaft coupling rotatably connects while remaining axially slidablewith the interfacing connection which is adapted to connect to a drivemotor at a proximal end of thereof.
 3. The surgical reamer driver ofclaim 1, wherein the reamer driver is constructed to transmit axialforces through the housing assembly and to apply these forces,preferably through a bearing, to the surgical tool connector such thatthe transmission drive chain is bypassed.
 4. The surgical reamer driverof claim 1, wherein the surgical tool connector includes a quick connectmechanism located at the center of the driver for coupling with at leastone surgical tool thereby preventing debris and bone chips from enteringthe driver and reducing snag points and sharp edges thereby reducingtissue irritation during use.
 5. The surgical reamer driver of claim 4,wherein the surgical tool connector is adapted to interface with atleast two surgical reamer interfaces.
 6. The surgical reamer driver ofclaim 5, wherein the quick connect mechanism provides a position forlocking in an open, unlocked position.
 7. The surgical reamer driver ofclaim 1, wherein the interfacing connection is encapsulated within thecentral region of the housing assembly.
 8. The driver of claim 1,wherein the transmission drive chain includes at least one universaljoint having a bearing recess for receiving bearings which avoid directmetal to metal contact.
 9. The surgical reamer driver of claim 8,wherein the at least one universal joint has two forks wherein each forkhas two arms into each of which a bearing is mounted so as to reducefriction.
 10. The surgical reamer of claim 9 wherein at least one forkcan be temporarily split in half for assembling the bearings.
 11. Thesurgical reamer driver of claim 1, wherein the driver has a quickconnect mechanism which comprises a bayonet connection.
 12. A surgicalkit comprising the surgical reamer driver of claim 1 together with othercomponents, the kit further comprising a case for organizing and storingthe components of the kit.
 13. The surgical kit of claim 12, furtherincluding: a. surgical tools of various sizes and styles, adapted tointerface with the surgical tool connector; b. optionally, analternative motor coupling having an alternative connectionconfiguration; and c. optionally, an alternate transmission drive chainhaving an alternate surgical tool connector.
 14. The driver of claim 1further comprising a handle assembly disposed over the housing assemblyand disengageable from the housing assembly.
 15. The driver of claim 14,wherein the handle assembly is disposed over the housing assembly suchthat axial forces applied by the user to the motor shaft coupling aredecoupled from the transmission drive chain and applied to the surgicaltool connector through the housing assembly only and wherein the forcesapplied by a user to the handle assembly are decoupled from both thetransmission drive chain and the motor shaft coupling and applied to thesurgical tool connector through the housing assembly, preferably througha thrust bearing.
 16. The driver of claim 14, wherein the handleassembly includes a smooth sheath which encapsulates the transmissiondrive chain and its interfacing connection within the housing assembly.17. The surgical reamer driver of claim 16, wherein the sheath extendsdistally from the handle assembly encapsulating a housing componenthaving a lateral opening on one side thereof permitting removal of thetransmission drive chain for cleaning, and an opening on an oppositeside thereof, allowing finger access to facilitate removable of thedrive chain.
 18. The surgical reamer driver of claim 17, wherein thehandle assembly includes a smooth sheath which fully closes the lateralopening of the housing assembly.
 19. The driver of claim 14, wherein thehandle assembly is connected to the housing via an angular repositioningmechanism.
 20. The driver of claim 14, wherein the handle assembly isconstructed to allow axial thrust to be transmitted into the housingassembly and not into the transmission drive chain or the motor shaftcoupling.
 21. The driver of claim 14 further including a sliding releasesleeve mounted on the handle assembly, the sliding release sleevecomprising a lock/unlock mechanism allowing the handle assembly to beassembled or disassembled from the housing assembly, respectively. 22.The surgical reamer driver of claim 21, wherein the housing assembly hasa slotted end in which slots an annular locking feature, such as pins ofthe handle assembly, engages and which locks a handle of the handleassembly in a selected angular position.
 23. The surgical reamer driverof claim 22, wherein a retainer retains the housing assembly with thehandle assembly so as to prevent it from freely removing duringdisassembly.
 24. The surgical reamer driver of claim 23, wherein theretainer comprises at least one slot formed so that the slot is smallerthan an interfacing diameter of the angular locking feature, preferablya pin, and wherein, a side wall of such slot may be elastically biasedto expand an opening of the slot to capture the angular locking feature.25. A surgical reamer driver having a proximal end comprising a motorshaft coupling, a distal end comprising a surgical tool connector havinga release sleeve for disconnecting the surgical tool, the surgical toolconnector further including a quick connect mechanism adapted forcoupling with at least one surgical tool, such quick connect mechanismbeing located at the center of the driver and having an axial thicknessof a given dimension greater than an axial activation distance of thequick connect mechanism between an unlock and lock position, thisthickness being substantially embedded in the driver in the unlockposition and then being exposed as it extends axially outwardly anamount less than the given dimension in the lock position therebypreventing the exposure of a seam or opening during activation, thuspreventing debris and/or bone chips from entering the driver, whereinfurther, optionally, the release sleeve can be temporarily disconnectedfrom the quick connect mechanism in order to pull it outside the driverhead for cleaning, and wherein further a drive chain assembly made up ofa transmission drive chain and a motor shaft coupling is slideably andremovably engaged together via an interfacing connection permittingdisengagement of the drive chain assembly into two independentsubcomponents when disassembled, the interfacing connection beingdisposed between the motor shaft coupling and the surgical toolconnector and encapsulated within the housing assembly.